15 Tasty Side Dishes To Serve With Quesadillas

A quesadilla is a popular Mexican flavorful dish consisting of tortilla chips, cheese, and other toppings which are then deep-fried on a griddle or pan. Traditionally, corn or wheat tortilla chips are often served but flour tortilla chips can also be prepared.

There are so many types of quesadillas. You can find them made with almost any kind of meat, including chicken, steak, fish, and cheese. Some quesadillas are served warm, others cold. And some are stuffed with fresh ingredients, while others are not.

You can make quesadillas completely homemade, or you can purchase them pre-made at the grocery store. Either way, they are a great snack or appetizer for parties, picnics, potlucks, and barbecues.

Whether you make your quesadillas or buy them pre-made, we’ve rounded up our favorite side dishes that go well with them. These include salads, flavorful soups, dips, pieces of bread, crackers, chips, salsa, guacamole, and more.

Here are 15 incredible side dishes that will turn these tasty treats into unforgettable meals.

1. Black Bean Salad

This recipe combines two of our favorite foods: beans and quesadillas. Black bean salad is a delicious side dish that goes well with any meal. It adds a healthy dose of protein and fiber to your diet. Plus, it’s low in fat and calories, making it a great choice if you’re watching your weight.

To make this recipe, combine 1 cup cooked black beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, and 3 chopped tomatoes. Mix well and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Top with fresh cilantro leaves and sliced avocado. Serve alongside quesadillas made with corn tortillas.

2. Cilantro-Lime Rice

This side dish recipe is perfect for serving with quesadillas. Cilantro adds a fresh flavor that complements the cheese perfectly. Lime juice gives the rice a tangy taste that makes it perfect for pairing with cheese quesadillas!

You’ll find that most recipes call for 1 cup of uncooked white rice per person. However, if you’d prefer, you can substitute brown rice instead. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. You may want to start checking the rice after 20 minutes of cooking time.

To serve, place a small handful of cooked rice onto each plate. Top with 2 slices of cheese and a generous portion of salsa. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and sliced limes.

3. Refried Beans

You can easily make refried beans at home using canned pinto beans. Simply drain the liquid off the pinto beans, add enough water to cover the beans, and simmer until tender. Drain any excess liquid and mash the beans with a potato masher or fork. Add a little bit of oil if needed to keep the mixture from sticking to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.

It Can also be used for dipping!

You can also use refried beans for dipping. Just mix them with sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce. Dip tortilla chips in the mixture and enjoy!

4. Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe for chicken tortilla soup is simple enough that anyone can whip it up in no time at all. All you need is chicken breast, corn, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeño peppers, green peppers, cumin, chili powders, cayenne pepper, and white wine. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, and fry tortilla chips to taste. Then simmer until the flavors come together.

Serve this delicious chicken tortilla soup with a crisp cheese quesadilla for dipping. It’s a great complete meal that everyone loves!

5. Mashed Potatoes With A Twist

You’ll never look at mashed potatoes the same way after trying this recipe. Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that will always be among the most delicious foods ever created. However, if you’re getting tired of this traditional side dish, you can add a little sweetness and crunchiness by adding corn kernels.

This recipe calls for russet potatoes, but feel free to substitute any kind of potato you’d like. You can also change the flavor profile by using garlic instead of onion powder. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Try this tasty mash with quesadilla chips and salsa for a fun and delicious snack!

6. Sweet Potato Salad

This sweet potato salad recipe is great for parties and potlucks. It’s super easy to make and tastes delicious. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. They’re also low in calories and fat. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free. So, if you’ve ever wanted to serve a healthy dish at your next gathering, try this sweet potato salad recipe instead.

To make this sweet potato salad, simply coat sweet potato chunks with any combination of sweet and spicy flavor seasoners. Then, toss them with a bit of olive oil and salt. Next, bake them until tender. Once cooked, let cool completely and store in the refrigerator until needed.

7. Cheesy Potatoes

You’ll never run out of ideas for cheesy potatoes. You can serve them as appetizers, side dishes, or even desserts. Just add any kind of cheese you’d like, along with bacon bits, jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, green onions, etc.

This recipe is great for parties, potlucks, picnics, tailgates, game day celebrations, family gatherings, holiday dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, barbecues, cookouts, camping trips, road trips, beach days, pool parties, backyard BBQs, summertime events, etc.

Top your potatoes with whatever toppings sound delicious to you. Then, drizzle with creamy ranch dressing and enjoy!

8. Mexican Slaw

This recipe for Mexican slaw is delicious and healthy at the same time. You’ll enjoy eating it alongside your quesadilla.

Coleslaw is a great side dish, but it’s even better if you add a little bit of Mexican flavor. Try replacing the traditional cabbage with jicama, cucumbers, and shredded beets. These vegetables are crunchier and sweeter than regular cabbage.

You can also spice up your slaw by adding sesame oil and soy sauce. Just remember not to drown your slaw in either ingredient. Instead, drizzle a small amount onto the salad and mix well.

Add a little bit of Asian flair to your Mexican meal with this delicious slaw!

9. Corn Salad

This sweet corn salad recipe is great if you’re craving Mexican food without actually eating Mexican food. You’ll still get all the flavors of traditional Mexican dishes, but you won’t have to deal with any of the bright ingredients. sweet corn is a simple ingredient that is easy to find in every local grocery store.

Grilling corn brings out a nice smoky taste that pairs well with avocados, red onion, and Fresno chile. Add a little bit of creaminess from the chopped tomatillos and a hint of spice from the roasted jalapeños. Serve it topped with shredded cotija cheese and enjoy!

10. Pork and Poblano Soup

This recipe combines poblanos with pork loin chunks and makes a delicious soup that goes perfectly with quesadillas. You’ll find yourself making this soup at least once during the summer months. It’s great served chilled or hot.

You’ve probably had this soup before, but if not, you should try it. It’s super simple to make and tastes amazing. Plus, it’s a delicious meal to serve guests during the summer months.

Combine poblano peppers with pork loin chunks in a slow cooker. Add salsa verde, corriander, and cumin. Cook until tender. Serve warm or cold.

Serve this tasty soup with quesadillas for a delicious dinner option.

11. Mexican Street Corn

Quesadillas are great for parties because they’re portable and delicious. You can serve them at any kind of gathering, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a family dinner. And since they’re made with tortilla chips, they’re super easy to throw together.

To make it, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place two flour tortillas on a baking sheet and spread 1/4 cup of cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Top with another tortilla and press down firmly. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve warm.

You can add whatever toppings you’d like to give your quesadillas a little extra flavor. Try adding salsa, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, bacon bits, shredded chicken, grilled vegetables, etc.

For a quick snack, try serving quesadillas with a side of fresh fruit. Or if you’re feeling fancy, serve them with a salad. Either way, they’ll impress your guests!

12. Guacamole

You’ll find guacamole at every single Mexican restaurant in town. Guacamole is one of those easy recipes that everyone loves. It’s so versatile that you can use it as an appetizer, snack, or even dessert. If you’re looking for something different to do with your guacamole, try serving it inside a quesadilla instead of on top. The combination of flavors will be amazing!

But did you know there are two types? One is made with tomatoes and onions, and the other is made with avocado. You can add either one to any dish, but if you want to impress your guests, try making both!

13. Pickled Jalapenos

Quesadillas are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can serve them at any mealtime, but if you want to spice them up a bit, try adding some pickled jalapeños. Pickled jalapeñoes are a delicious way to add some spicy flair to your quesadillas without overpowering the dish.

To start, wash the jalapeño peppers thoroughly and remove the stems. Then cut off the tops and bottoms of the peppers. Next, place the peppers in a jar with enough vinegar to cover them completely. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of vinegar. Let the peppers sit in the refrigerator overnight. After 24 hours, drain the peppers and rinse them under cold water. Remove the seeds and slice the peppers into thin strips.

Once the peppers are sliced, heat them in a pan until they begin to soften. Once softened, transfer them to a bowl and mix in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix well and let cool.

Top your quesadilla with the pickled jalapeño mixture and enjoy!

14. Shrimp Ceviche

This recipe for Shrimp Ceviche is great for entertaining. It’s simple enough for anyone to prepare, but it looks impressive enough to impress your guests. You’ll need to start preparing this dish at least 24 hours in advance, though, since it needs to marinate overnight.

Start by making the marinade. Combine lime juice, garlic, onion, jalapeño peppers, salt, sugar, and olive oil in a bowl. Add shrimp and let sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, drain off any excess liquid and transfer the shrimp to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Transfer the mixture to a large glass container and add tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and red bell pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours.

Afterward, remove the shrimp from the refrigerator and discard the marinade. Place shrimp in a shallow baking pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Serve this delicious appetizer with tortilla chips and salsa. It’s the perfect side dish for your next quesadilla party!

15. Avocado Salad

You can add avocado to any kind of salad, whether it’s a traditional green salad or a Mexican-inspired dish. Avocados are delicious on their own, but they also pair perfectly with other fresh ingredients. You can enjoy them on their own, or try adding them to salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, burritos, and more.

Avocados are rich and creamy, making them great additions to salads. Try using them in place of mayonnaise, sour cream, yogurt, cheese, guacamole, salsa, and more. Add them to your perfect dishes and let your taste buds experience the benefits of eating healthy foods!